“The Immortal Garrison” (不滅の守備隊), Rare Original Japanese Movie Poster 1957, STB Tatekan Two-Sheet Format (c. 51 × 145 cm), Original Theatre Snipe — T18
This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster for the 1957 Japanese release of The Immortal Garrison. Nearly seventy years old, this rare surviving example retains an attached period theatre snipe, recording the local programme for which it was displayed.
The 1956 Soviet war drama depicts the defence of Brest Fortress during the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. Directed by Zakhar Agranenko and Eduard Tisse, with a screenplay by Konstantin Simonov, the film follows the soldiers and families caught within the besieged fortress.
Printed on two sheets arranged vertically, the Japanese design makes dramatic use of the tall tatekan format. A foreshortened gun barrel projects towards the viewer above a battlefield montage, while large portraits and a standing soldier carry the composition down the sheet. The oversized red Japanese title runs along the left, balanced by turquoise cast lettering and red promotional copy on the right.
The lower margin names Nikkatsu and Eihai as joint distributors. Its attached theatre announcement adds a particularly appealing connection to the poster’s original use. The snipe reads:
「同時上映 インカ王国の秘宝／10日▶16日／中劇」
“Also showing: The Treasure of the Inca Kingdom / 10th–16th / Chūgeki.”
The venue is identified by the abbreviated name Chūgeki; the month and year are not printed on the snipe. This surviving addition preserves the local double-bill announcement alongside the main poster artwork.
For framing, the snipe can be folded behind the poster if a cleaner presentation is preferred. Removal can also be considered by a paper conservator if desired.
Condition: Very Good for its age and format. The poster shows age toning, scattered marks, folds and handling creases, with edge wear, small tears and areas of paper loss along the upper edge. The join between the two sheets is visible, with joining material on the reverse. The principal imagery and bold red title retain strong visual impact, and the poster should display very well once framed.
Please review all photographs, including the close-ups and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
STB tatekan format: approximately 51 × 145 cm, excluding the attached snipe.
Stock code: T18.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
About STB (Tatekan) posters
Japanese STB / tatekan posters were tall standing-board advertisements, printed in two pieces to be pasted together vertically for cinema display, typically measuring around 20 × 58 inches. Because they were made for prominent theatrical use rather than long-term preservation, survival rates are dramatically lower than for standard posters.
